Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 vs Kawasaki Z1000
The KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki Z1000: 91.1% vs 84.5%, a 6.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 | Kawasaki Z1000 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 91.1% | 84.5% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.7% | 7.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +3.5 pts | -0.5 pts |
| Engine size | 1,301cc | 953cc |
| Rank among all models | #659 of 5428 | #2613 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 10,016 | 17,154 |
| MOT tests analysed | 682 | 22,743 |
| Most common failure | brakes | lighting and signalling |
First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.
What fails, side by side
| Component | KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 | Kawasaki Z1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 1.2% | 4.0% |
| Brakes | 1.8% | 2.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.8% | 1.6% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.7% | 1.9% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.4% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.3% |
A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.
Pass rate by test year
| Test year | KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 | Kawasaki Z1000 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93.8% | 85.5% |
| 2022 | 91.2% | 88.1% |
| 2023 | 91.4% | 86.5% |
| 2024 | 87.7% | 85.1% |
| 2025 | 92.4% | 85.9% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 | Kawasaki Z1000 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 92.3% | 87.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 89.2% | 85.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 94.6% | 82.5% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 vs Kawasaki Z1000 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 or the Kawasaki Z1000?
The KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki Z1000: 91.1% vs 84.5%, a 6.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 still comes out ahead: +3.5 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18, -0.5 for the Kawasaki Z1000. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.8% of KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.8%).
What does the Kawasaki Z1000 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.0% of Kawasaki Z1000 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.2%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 or the Kawasaki Z1000?
At 20k-30k miles the KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 passes first time more often: 94.6% for the KTM 1290 Superduke GT 18 vs 82.5% for the Kawasaki Z1000.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.